Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) represents one of the largest Muslim populations in the American South, Time reports.
This week, he said Muslims “don’t belong in American society.”
“His comment, posted on social media along with the assertion that ‘pluralism is a lie,’ reverberated quickly across the country, but was especially jarring for the tens of thousands of Muslim constituents in his Middle Tennessee district. In neighborhoods south of Nashville, from Antioch to Murfreesboro, Muslim residents responded with a mix of anger and exhaustion, as well as concern that such ideas coming from their very own Congressman could fuel harassment and violence at a moment when tensions are already running high.”

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